Austin car hire
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Cheap car rentals in Austin
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Austin
- Whether travelers seek to explore the city of Austin or attractions like the Austin Zoo or the Colorado River, a hire car will get you to all destinations in no time. You don’t have to worry about timetables and public transport delays when you can enjoy your time in Austin with a car. Houston and San Antonio are about 165 and 80 miles away respectively, and for travelers staying longer in Austin, they are definitely worth a day trip.
- Get your hire car conveniently at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and be in the city center within 15 minutes. The hire car center is located in Level 1 at the customer counters, but signs will guide you there from the terminal. There are also shuttles operating between the terminal and the car hire center.
- Austin is a bike-friendly city, so make sure you do not cross bike lanes and risk injuring a cyclist. Also be aware that the speed in Austin is rather high compared to many other cities. As Austin has interstates crossing in lower and upper decks, it can be a challenge to navigate the system at first, so drive extra carefully and attentively to take the right exit.
- Try to avoid rush hours in Austin to save time and energy. Especially the Interstate 35 is clogged up 6-9 AM and 4-7 PM, and waiting times can be up to an hour. Also note that, even though Austin is known for being rather warm, there can be ice in winter that will make the streets more dangerous and slippery.
- Book your rental car in Austin at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Standard rental cars in Austin are around 33% cheaper than other car types, on average
Austin car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
FAQs about renting a car in Austin
What type of car is recommended for driving in Austin?
Travelers who seek to get the ultimate Texas experience should opt for a pickup truck, as they are still the most beloved vehicle in Texas. However, they do require a lot of space, and if you only cruise through the city and have a hotel without a parking lot, a more compact car or smaller SUV is a more sensible choice.
What’s the speed limit in Austin?
Unless posted otherwise, general speed limits for Austin are 15 mph in alleys and around schools and 30 mph in residential areas. 55 mph is allowed on unnumbered highways during nighttime and, during the day, drivers can speed up to 60 mph. On numbered highways, the maximum speed limit is 65 mph at night and 70 during the day.
Where are the best places to park in Austin?
Parking is available on the streets of Austin or in garages, public parking lots or, of course, your hotel (if available). When parking on the street, note that it could be metered and be sure to check how long parking is permitted. Alternatively, choose a parking garage such as the ABM Parking, LAZ Parking, or 924 E Dean Keeton Street Parking, where your car can be parked for longer stretches of time -- but always read the signs to be sure.
What is the best car hire company in Austin?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in Austin are Alamo (8.9, 63 reviews), Enterprise Rent-A-Car (7.9, 96 reviews), and Dollar (6.5, 70 reviews).
How much is the price of fuel in Austin?
The average price of fuel in Austin is AED 13.33 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between AED 160 and AED 213, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in Austin?
Standard (Toyota RAV4 or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Austin.
How can I find car hires near me in Austin?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Standard car hire cost in Austin?
A Standard car hire in Austin costs AED 186 per day, on average.
How much does a Compact car hire cost in Austin?
A Compact car hire in Austin costs AED 188 per day, on average.
How much does an Intermediate car hire cost in Austin?
An Intermediate car hire in Austin costs AED 166 per day, on average.
Austin car rental reviews and directory All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Budget
6.1
Okay
Read 125 reviewsCleanliness
6.7
Comfort
6.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.1
Value for money
6.1
10 locations in Austin
Locations in Austin
1104 North I-35
+1 512 322 9377
12901 N Interstate 35 Ste 120
+1 512 990 7263
13201 Fm 620 North
+1 512 331 8593
1610 West 35th Street
+1 512 371 7361
2110 W Slaughter Lane
+1 737 304 8376
2901 S Capital Of Texas Hwy
+1 512 732 0066
3819 Presidential Blvd
+1 512 356 3519
7010 Highway 71 West, Ste 345
+1 512 288 3605
7100 Burnet Road
+1 512 419 7908
8820 Burnet Road
+1 512 419 1908
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Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Toby, Apr 2024
Economy
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jan 2024
Economy
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Nov 2023
Intermediate SUV
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Nov 2023
Supplier choice
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Nov 2023
Intermediate SUV
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Nov 2023
Intermediate
Fox
5.9
Fair
Read 294 reviewsCleanliness
6.4
Comfort
6.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.9
Value for money
6.0
One location in Austin
Locations in Austin
3819 Presidential Boulevard
+1 512 256 8460
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Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Intermediate
2.0 Poor
Christy, Jul 2024
Economy
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jun 2024
Intermediate SUV
10.0 Wonderful
Bud, Apr 2024
Intermediate
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Apr 2024
Standard SUV
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Dec 2023
Intermediate SUV
Hertz
5.1
Fair
Read 215 reviewsCleanliness
5.8
Comfort
5.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.2
Value for money
5.0
9 locations in Austin
Locations in Austin
11906 Ih-35 North
+1 512 973 8877
3819 Presidential Blvd
+1 737 825 0506
5717 S I135
+1 512 326 1649
5717 S I35
+1 512 326 1649
6705 Hwy 290 West Ste 603
+1 512 358 7932
709 East 10th Street
+1 512 457 1583
911 W Anderson Lane Ste 125
+1 512 407 9650
911 W. Anderson Lane,ste 125
+1 512 407 9650
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Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Sep 2024
Intermediate SUV
2.0 Poor
Ray, Aug 2024
Intermediate
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jun 2024
Passenger van
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jun 2024
Intermediate SUV
10.0 Wonderful
Leslie, Jun 2024
Supplier choice
10.0 Wonderful
J, May 2024
Standard SUV
Alamo
8.8
Very Good
Read 37 reviewsCleanliness
9.0
Comfort
9.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.0
Value for money
8.4
One location in Austin
Locations in Austin
3819 Presidential Blvd
+1 844 366 2656
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Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Aug 2024
Passenger van
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Dec 2023
Full-size SUV
10.0 Wonderful
Abby, May 2021
Pros:
We originally booked a rental with Hertz, and had a nightmare. The vehicle broke down and it took 4 hours for Hertz to come pick up the vehicle and we were told there were no more available. We got online and booked with Alamo, which was more expensive but the transaction was a breeze, and pickup and delivery was fast and simple. The car was extra clean and ran like a dream.Cons:
I wish we hadn't had to pay twice the rate of the other rental companies.10.0 Wonderful
Kathleen, May 2021
Pros:
Drop-off was easy. Drop-off attendant was friendly.8.0 Very Good
David, Apr 2021
Cons:
BMW 3 Series was really small, difficult to enter, confusing shifter/electronics, limited trunk space.2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jan 2021
Pros:
Clean carCons:
No chance to review pre-existing damage with employee, I documented a paint chipped area myself, but when I returned the car they said I was lying. Now they want to make an insurance claim against me! Poor customer service, I will avoid Alamo/National from now on unless they admit their mistake.Enterprise Rent-A-Car
7.9
Good
Read 53 reviewsCleanliness
8.0
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.0
Value for money
7.6
20 locations in Austin
Locations in Austin
10010 Manchaca Rd
+1 512 292 1118
10907 N Fm 620
+1 512 501 3832
11150 Research Blvd Ste 207
+1 512 343 8982
12326 Ranch Road 620 N
+1 512 335 4040
13207 N Us 183 Svrd Nb
+1 512 257 9400
2016 W Stassney Ln
+1 512 916 8080
2301 E 7th St
+1 512 354 3193
2521 Rutland Dr Ste 700
+1 512 873 9107
319 S Lamar
+1 512 472 1373
3205 Ranch Rd 620 N
+1 512 354 8221
3500 S Lamar #1
+1 512 440 0099
3819 Presidential Blvd
+1 737 484 3896
4352 S Interstate 35
+1 512 462 9009
5316 Ed Bluestein Blvd
+1 512 362 5233
5350 W Us Hwy 290 Service Rd
+1 512 271 0913
6817 N Lamar
+1 512 453 4402
707 E. Braker Ln Ste 103
+1 512 835 1155
7212 W Highway 71 Ste D
+1 512 394 9972
816 Colorado St
+1 512 476 2300
8310 Research Blvd
+1 512 459 8100
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Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, May 2024
Intermediate SUV
2.0 Poor
Derek, Dec 2023
Premium
2.0 Poor
Derek, Dec 2023
Premium
4.0 Mediocre
Paula, Jun 2021
Cons:
Pickup staff were rude and dismissive.2.0 Poor
Lisa, May 2021
Cons:
Flight was delayed and when I got there they told me they gave away my car because I was late. No other cars were available, so we spent the weekend using Uber.10.0 Wonderful
Brandon, May 2021
Pros:
The staff was friendly, fast, and thorough. The rep walked around the car with me to check for pre-existing damage. My car was clean amd comfortable.Cons:
I rented from an off-airport location due to the low amount of vehicles available in the city. Although Enterprise will "come pick you up", they cannot do that if you're at the airport. So I had to add a $35 Uber ride to the total. The rental was WAY overpriced for a Nissan Altima ($96/day), but they did not have to add a slew of additional fees like the airport places. But the staff were a good group of people. None of that stuff was in their control. I also dropped the car off before they opened. It was weird just leaving the car there, and putting keys in a drop box. I am used to airport locations with 24-hour presence. I never got a phone call or email letting me know they received the vehicle back. I only dropped it off about an hour before they opened, I'm sure it was fine.Dollar
6.4
Okay
Read 54 reviewsCleanliness
7.9
Comfort
7.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.6
Value for money
6.3
4 locations in Austin
Locations in Austin
3819 Presidential Blvd
+1 512 225 2815
5717 S I35
+1 512 326 1649
709 East 10th Street
+1 512 457 1583
911 W. Anderson Lane,ste 125
+1 512 407 9650
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Reviews
6.0 Okay
Mark, Sep 2024
Full-size SUV
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Aug 2024
Pick-up truck
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Apr 2024
Standard estate car
6.0 Okay
Suzanne, Apr 2024
People carrier
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jan 2024
Economy
2.0 Poor
Ralph, May 2021
Pros:
Hertz was great and I will use them next time. Dollar? Don't think soCons:
Booth was closed so had to use Hertz counter which was undermanned.10 locations in Austin
Locations in Austin
1104 North I-35
+1 512 480 8333
12901 N Interstate 35 Ste 120
+1 512 251 3957
13201 Fm 620 North
+1 512 250 9716
1610 West 35th Street
+1 512 371 1082
2110 W Slaughter Lane
+1 737 304 0769
2901 S Capital Of Texas Hwy
+1 512 330 0109
3819 Presidential Blvd
+1 512 356 3510
7010 Highway 71 West, Ste 345
+1 512 288 5181
7100 Burnet Road
+1 512 380 9177
8820 Burnet Road
+1 512 343 9777
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Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Apr 2024
Supplier choice
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Full-size SUV
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2022
6.0 Okay
Luis, May 2021
Pros:
Got a pickup truck since they ran out of sedansCons:
Estimated total. Total everywhere on kayak for $387 when I left it was $410. A surprise $23 fee out of no where and Avis wouldn’t change it for the total I quoted6.0 Okay
Anonymous, May 2021
Pros:
Staff was wonderful.Cons:
Car was filthy on the inside when I picked it up, I informed the employee. Also I was at the gas station for 20 minutes and couldn’t figure out how to open the gas cap, very frustrating and more expensive then needed2.0 Poor
Anonymous, May 2021
Cons:
Ordered the car and THEY TOOK my money, but when I showed up they said I didn’t have a car or that my name was even on the reserved list. Wouldn’t recommend to anyone.One location in Austin
Locations in Austin
3819 Presidential Blvd
+1 512 961 5295
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Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Tochi, Dec 2023
Full-size
2.0 Poor
DM, May 2021
Cons:
No one at Payless counter, sign said to go to Avis line. Very long, Short Staffed, went to National instead and got a car in 5 minutes.8.0 Very Good
Anonymous, Apr 2021
Pros:
Easy drop offCons:
Desk was not open in main office, so was long line upstairs Car was smelly4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Apr 2021
Pros:
Drop off was easy.Cons:
Long wait at pick up. They didn’t have the compact SUV and instead suggested I take a pickup truck. I was worried about the size and they assured me it was “small or midsize.” It was giant. I could barely get out of the airport parking lot and it was difficult to park throughout my trip. The back window wouldn’t close.2.0 Poor
Fred, Mar 2021
Cons:
I paid for a small suv and received a compact for the same price. The worker repeatedly explained to me, “sorry sir that’s how supply and demand works.”6.0 Okay
Katie, Mar 2021
Pros:
The car was clean and reliable.Cons:
I feel there is a scam going on with their gas policy. I declined their auto fill option which they marketed heavily to me. I filled up the tank a few minutes before dropping off the car, and on my car rental receipt they charged me $12.99 for 1.3 gallons of gas. They said it was full to 14 gallons at the time of rental and that I returned it with 12.7 gallons. I know that is not true, but of course I didn't save my gas receipt. I didn't have high hopes for getting my money back since I didn't save my receipt, but to my surprise when I called the representative offered to remove it immediately. He seemed all to familiar with my type of call. If I had to guess, I'd say this is a common practice for Payless and if you don't want to get cheated out of $12.99 you have to call and complain.One location in Austin
Locations in Austin
3819 Presidential Blvd
+1 844 366 2655
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One location in Austin
Locations in Austin
3600 Presidential Blvd, Suite 107
+1 512 969 6922
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Reviews
9.6 Wonderful
Anonymous, Feb 2020
Pros:
Very nice drop off staff. Check-in guy wanted me take economy car since it was intermediate sold out; he did not offer me a discount for smaller car. I asked for intermediate or larger; he gave me a larger car. He was very polite though.Cons:
See above.2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2019
Pros:
They tricked at the counter, the attendant never told me I was going to be charged for an upgrade. When I received my final bill by email, I realized they charged me $30 for an "upgrade" that was never delivered or discussed at the counter.Cons:
AS BAD AS IT COULD BE! The car was in terrible condition, ketchup on the door panel, plus had a disgusting juice spill all around the cupholders. Employees maybe we're waiting for a customer to clean up the car. The car had mirror lever is broken, head console buttons (SOS) where jammed/broken.4 locations in Austin
Locations in Austin
3819 Presidentail Blvd
+1 512 225 2815
5717 S I35
+1 512 326 1649
709 East 10th Street
+1 512 457 1583
911 W. Anderson Lane,ste 125
+1 512 407 9650
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Reviews
7.6 Good
Anonymous, Jan 2020
Pros:
Everyone was nice and the process was easyCons:
I made the reservation on line (the mother) using my credit card. The confirmation said the driver would have to present license and credit card at pick up (which was going to be my adult son). When we picked the car up we were not allowed to do this without paying extra to have him be the driver. We were told because the reservation was in my name I had to be the first driver. If the on-line reservation would have stated this we would have had him make the reservation. Seems like you could have been more accommodating at the pick up time. Not sure why it makes a difference whose name is on the reservation.6.8 Okay
Anonymous, Nov 2019
Pros: